Life After Care Givinghttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com
Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:38:35 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/all-logos_life-after-fav-150x150.pngLife After Care Givinghttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com
3232Considering the Caregivershttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/considering-the-caregivers/
http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/considering-the-caregivers/#respondMon, 14 Aug 2017 17:38:35 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=127Do you know someone who is caring for an ill family member or beloved friend? Someone who is alone in caring for their loved one everyday? If you do, know that they need your loving support. Sometimes their loved one is too sick to be left alone long enough for them to go to the […]

]]>Do you know someone who is caring for an ill family member or beloved friend? Someone who is alone in caring for their loved one everyday? If you do, know that they need your loving support. Sometimes their loved one is too sick to be left alone long enough for them to go to the grocery store, let alone have a few minutes just for them selves to spend whatever way they wish. We who are not in this situation take for granted our ability to go out and shop at will, to visit friends, go to a movie or to church. Caring for a sick person is extremely stressful; a caregiver needs to have a break for their own health.
Think about how you can help. If the person is truly too sick to be left alone, volunteer to sit with them for an hour or two. If you are uncomfortable in your ability to be of any assistance if something occurs just sit with the sick person while the caregiver is another part of the home would be of help. I’ve heard of caregivers who would love to be able to take a leisurely bath; something they can’t do when they are in the home alone because they have to hurry in case they are needed. Perhaps cooking a meal or offering to run an errand is something you could do to help. Sometimes the caregiver will need someone listen to them vent. If you volunteer for this, please just listen. Don’t give them advice to take certain medications (unless you are a licensed medical doctor and they ask for your help in this area); please don’t tell them what they could be doing different or tell them another doctor is the answer. The caregiver just needs to release those vent up emotions and frustrations. Most likely they need someone who can give them a hug and tell them that it’s normal to be stressed no matter how much they love the ill person.

I’ve been both a caregiver and the person needing a caregiver. It isn’t easy from either side to cope with the stress. I was lucky when I was the caregiver of my younger sister who is mentally challenged; I had friends who would occasionally take her with them on outings. To protect my sister’s identity I will call her Sweetie Pie, the nickname I gave her because she loves Tweety Pie so much. One friend had a young nephew who played baseball; she would take Sweetie Pie with her to watch these kids play. It made her day to have all that attention from somebody besides me and it was her outing, not our outing, which made it even better. She also loved going out to eat with the whole family after the ball game was over. Sweetie Pie would come home with her face bright with enthusiasm bragging about where they went and what she ate. Her smiling face was a joy to see. Another friend used to come over and watch a movie they picked out together while I made myself scarce. It was her time to have company and my time to have a breather. A co-worker, who became a friend through his generosity toward my sister, would come over each week and teach Sweetie Pie to play a dulcimer. It turns out that Sweet Pie has a natural talent, she can not read music but she could sit across from him and mirror what he did. He recorded the lesson so she could play on her own during the week.

I do want to caution you it isn’t a job to take on lightly. My step-father had cancer and my mother was his sole caregiver. She once let a friend of my step dad’s take over his care long enough to make a quick trick to the store and back. When she got back she found his friend on her telephone talking to his girlfriend while my serious ill step dad was in the back bathroom throwing up and too weak to help himself. When you take on the responsibility to help a caregiver, you need to give it your up most diligence. My mother was afraid to trust anyone after that experience. My step dad could not be left alone so when she went to the store she had to take him with her, making it hard on the both of them.

So think about it, what seems like such a small thing to do can make a huge difference in another’s life. Do you know someone who needs a break from their care giving duties? Or perhaps you can be the one who listens while they vent for a while. Keep in mind your own strengths and weaknesses, but do volunteer to help someone. I have found that when I am helping others it gives me just a rush of goodwill I can’t help, but to smile at the world.

]]>http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/considering-the-caregivers/feed/0How to Start a Caregiver Support Group for the Disabledhttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/how-to-start-a-caregiver-support-group-for-the-disabled/
http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/how-to-start-a-caregiver-support-group-for-the-disabled/#respondSun, 06 Aug 2017 17:36:26 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=125When caring for a family member with a disability, it can be hard to find a way to meet others who understand your situation or even get a break where you can get some time to yourself. If you want to be able to form friendships with others who are also dealing with the same […]

]]>When caring for a family member with a disability, it can be hard to find a way to meet others who understand your situation or even get a break where you can get some time to yourself. If you want to be able to form friendships with others who are also dealing with the same issues that you are, you may have to seek them out yourself. Starting your own network of those that care for those with disabilities on a day to day basis may give you the supportive system that you need.

Step 1:
Talk to your local social services agency. Sometimes there is information available for learning how to start a caregiver support group for the disabled. There might be a few that meet already that you can go to. If none fit your needs, checking them out may still give you ideas to brainstorm on how to begin the process of creating your own.

Step 2:
Find a meeting place. Figuring out an appropriate place to meet, that is large enough and handicap accessible may be a challenging endeavor in it’s own right. Inquire about your local church’s facilities or hospital’s conference rooms is a good place to start. If you are planning a small member base at first, there may even be the option of trading off hosting the meetings in your homes at first.

Step 3:
Look into funding for how to start a caregiver support group for the disabled. After finding out the rates or renting places, contact your local social services agency again and ask about any grants available for the purpose. Other options include asking local business for sponsorship or even charging a membership fee to cover expenses.

Step 4:
Find staff to help care for your family member while away if this is for the caregivers only or at the meeting find out about being able to have licensed people there to watch over a meeting for the people with disabilities as well. If you can turn this into a night for both individuals, more people are likely to sign up. This is especially true if fees are involved.

Step 5:
Print up fliers and hang up around your community. Make sure to include all of the information such as for who it is dates, times, locations and fees. Place them in doctor’s offices, drug stores and other places that you frequently visit as that about guarantees that others like you go there too.

When figuring out how to start a caregiver support group for the disabled, just keep in mind that when faced with challenges you don’t give up until you succeed. That is already your life’s mantra; this should be no different.

]]>http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/how-to-start-a-caregiver-support-group-for-the-disabled/feed/0Providing for yourself financially while being a caregiverhttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/providing-financially-caregiver/
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:48:36 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=111Life is expensive here in South Florida. My 1 bed room apartment in Miami is $1500 a month alone. One of the biggest challenges that former caregivers have to deal with in the period of life after caregiving is finances – trust me, I know. You may have left many of your financial cares in […]

]]>Life is expensive here in South Florida. My 1 bed room apartment in Miami is $1500 a month alone. One of the biggest challenges that former caregivers have to deal with in the period of life after caregiving is finances – trust me, I know. You may have left many of your financial cares in the dust when you were caregiving; it’s no surprise since you had more important things to worry about. However, now that you are free from your former responsibilities as a caregiver, it is a good idea to sit down and pay attention to any financial worries that you may have let slide while your faculties were being consumed by other issues.

This is a great time to get a credit check and figure out exactly where you are when it comes to your personal finances. If you have any disputed charges that are on your credit report, now is a good time to take the steps necessary to fix these problems and clear your financial name again. In the event that you have creditors knocking on your door, consider working with companies that can help you figure out where you are and get you where you want to be financially. Starting a career as a consultant from Young Living can help you reach your financial goals while maintaining your independence – and also working with products that really help others maximize their mental and physical health and well-being. It’s the perfect career for a former caregiver; it has allowed me to channel my nurturing instincts and skills into a career that brings prosperity both mentally and monetarily.

Life after caregiving is also a great time to figure out your own status in terms of a job. You may not have been able to hold down a full-time job during your period of caregiving, and now that you have the freedom and time to do so this could be something that you want to pursue. Having a full-time job as a great way to give yourself a sense of purpose after you are done with your duties as a caregiver. In this way, you can start making financial contributions to your own life and that of your family’s. Working with Young Living is a great way to afford your family the cash you need while still having a flexible enough schedule to spend time with those you love.

Figuring finances can be one of the most daunting parts of dealing with life after caregiving. But if you were able to love yourself enough to put the time into your financial history and right any wrongs that may have been accumulated during your time as a caregiver, you will find that moving forward is much easier than you originally expected. Take the time for yourself to grieve and rebuild – and don’t forget to contact me if you need an extra shoulder to cry on.

]]>Florida Caregivers – How to focus on your OWN healthhttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/florida-caregivers-focus-health/
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:44:15 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=108It is no surprise that many caregivers may find themselves in poor health during time of life after caregiving. If you’ve been putting much of your time and effort into worrying about the health and stability of another person, it is not uncommon for you to be suffering from health effects after you are done; […]

]]>It is no surprise that many caregivers may find themselves in poor health during time of life after caregiving. If you’ve been putting much of your time and effort into worrying about the health and stability of another person, it is not uncommon for you to be suffering from health effects after you are done; with the weight of grieving and common neglect of health that many caregivers experience, it’s no surprise if you’re feeling bad both mentally and physically. I know it was hard for me to get off my feet when I was going through my own transition to life after caregiving.

Many people have accumulated negative health habits during their time spent as caregivers. If, for example you find that you have accumulated negative habits such as smoking, drinking, overeating, or lack of exercise, this is a great time to start paying attention to your own needs and taking the steps necessary to become healthy again. There are many ways you can get the support you need to kick negative habits or start up positive ones; don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Starting a new career with a company such as Young Living can also help – working with aromatic fragrances that do wonders for health and well-being can go far for your overall outlook in life; this career has really helped me focus on what is important in life – health and family.

Another way to stay healthy is to focus on your mental health. Many people find that working with religious authority or turning to meditation can help them through this most difficult time. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical, so work on both of these in tandem during the transition period of life after caregiving.

For more information about holistic remedies and oils that can help you regain your health and get you back on even footing, don’t be afraid to contact me for more information on this. I am more than happy to offer you counseling and advice on this matter to help you get back on your feet and live the happy and healthy life that you deserve. Working with Young Living can help you get your health back on track, as well as your finances!

As a caregiver you have spent much of your time worrying about the health and safety of others. Consider this time as an opportunity to pay attention to your own health and well-being which may have been neglected while you were embroiled in the business of caregiving. There is no shame in paying attention to the health of others in ensuring that those who are sick get the attention that they need, but don’t forget about yourself.

]]>Maintaining your social life while being a caregiverhttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/maintaining-social-life-caregiver/
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:41:17 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=105After caregiving, you may find that you need to start paying attention to relationships that may have fallen by the wayside while you were caregiving. During your time spent as a caregiver, it is not unusual for you to have forsaken other relationships in order to facilitate your duty as a caregiver. While caregiving is […]

]]>After caregiving, you may find that you need to start paying attention to relationships that may have fallen by the wayside while you were caregiving. During your time spent as a caregiver, it is not unusual for you to have forsaken other relationships in order to facilitate your duty as a caregiver. While caregiving is a very noble cause, there are also other people in your life that no doubt have been neglected during your time as a caregiver. During this transitional period, It is a good time to take stock of the relationships that you have in your life and figure out which ones need a little bit of attention. Starting a career by being self-employed with a company like Young Living that specializes in health and wellness could very easily give you the confidence you need to get out there and be yourself again! It has helped me help others, and in turn this has produced many long-term and meaningful relationships.

Remember to never blame yourself for paying attention to the needs of the person for whom you are caregiving. Those who truly love you will understand that your time and resources were being taken up by another in dire need. However, now that this period of your life is over it is a good time to start turning your attention to others who may be in need of your effort, time, and love.

Another area to pay attention to is your own romantic and personal relationships. If you find yourself lacking in a romantic partner or true friends, now is the time to start reaching out and build those relationships. You have much to offer as a caregiver, and the skills and knowledge that you have gained during your period spent as a caregiver can help you build new relationships that can take you in fantastic and positive directions. Use your connections to help bolster self employment opportunities like those with Young Living – with the confidence that self employment brings, you can reach fantastic new heights!

All human beings need relationships. Now that you are free from your responsibilities as a caregiver, make sure that you spend the time necessary to nurture relationships both old and new to bring you a new and fulfilling life when you’re finished with your duties as a caregiver.

]]>Transitioning into the life of a care giverhttp://lifeaftercaregiving.com/transitioning-life-care-giver/
Sat, 22 Jul 2017 16:38:14 +0000http://lifeaftercaregiving.com/?p=102There is lots of advice that I can give you about transitioning to life after caregiving. However, the biggest responsibility lays on your own shoulders. It is one thing to sit around and read reams of information about how to make your life after caregiving as fulfilling and healthy as possible, but it is another […]

]]>There is lots of advice that I can give you about transitioning to life after caregiving. However, the biggest responsibility lays on your own shoulders. It is one thing to sit around and read reams of information about how to make your life after caregiving as fulfilling and healthy as possible, but it is another entirely to get out there and actualize the process. Life after caregiving is a difficult transitional period, and it is important to give yourself the attention and respect that you deserve while you are busy rebuilding your life now that your duties as a caregiver are through. Consider working at a career where you are respected and empowered, such as being a salesperson for Young Living, where you can delight in selling products that are meant for the betterment of mind and soul – like I do!

The good news is that living the life as a post-caregiver does not have to be a negative thing. In fact, many former caregivers view this period of their lives as one of the most freeing that they have ever experienced. Of course, that does not mean that this period of your life will necessarily be easy. It is very important to reach out to support groups both within your family and without in order to gain the strength that you need to put positive habits and ideas into action.

Re-creating a life after caregiving is not necessarily an easy task. However, with the right support group and a positive outlook you will be surprised how far you can really go; I definitely was. Make sure to consider your health and well-being during this period of life after caregiving in a holistic way. Whether you find your strength in rebuilding your financial life, finding new relationships, or taking advantage of holistic remedies and oils to accentuate your physical well-being, there are many ways to live a positive and healthy life once you are done with caregiving. Starting a new career with Young Living is just one of these ways you can help yourself attain greater self love and success.

For more information about living the life after caregiving, be sure to get in contact with me. I am always looking for people to talk to and I always love to either lend a sympathetic ear or offer sound advice to those who are currently where I have been before.